Abstract for Post: Synthesis and Characterization of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles using Orange Peel (Citrus Reticulata) and Coconut Shaft (Cocos Nucifera. L) Mesocarp Extracts

Author(s): Moronkola, B.A1; Alegbe, M.J1; Omowonuola, A.A1; Oyewole T.S1; Asimi, A.J.O2; Akinsanya, N.A2; Idris, K.O1; Mufutau, A.I1, Abdulganiu, A.O3; Ejor, A.I1, Agboola, O.A4; Akinyemi, A.A4; 1Felix, B.B
Affiliation: 1Chemistry Department, Lagos State University, Ojo Campus, Lagos Badagry Expressway, Lagos State 2Department of chemical Sciences, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria 3Department of Environmental Biology, P.M.B 231, Fedral Polytechnic Ede, Osun State 4Department of Chemistry Education, Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State
Corresponding Email: alegbemj@gmail.com

Green synthesis method of nanoparticles has captivated considerable attentiveness in recent years due to its eco-friendly and non-consumptive properties. The aim of this research is to synthesize and characterize magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) nanoparticles using orange and coconut extracts as a reducing agent. A plant extract mixed with metal salt solution in ratio was synthesized under alkaline condition (pH 9) with continuous stirring for 3 hours, using the bottom-up approach. The MgO NPs was synthesized by precipitation method. Several analytical techniques were used to characterize the synthesized MgO-NPs using techniques such as X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The results revealed that the synthesized orange and coconut shaft MgO-NPs exhibited an average particle sizes of X and Y nm. The XRD confirmed the presence of six mineral composition for orange peel; Pericles (47 %), Quartz (25 %), Zincite (15%), Chloragyrite (8 %), Woodhouseite (3 %), Tenorite, Syn (2 %) in the MgO NPs and Coconut Mesocarp (shaft) composition are as follow brucite 34.5 %, hanksite 28.8 %, siderite, Mg-be 24 %, chlorargyrite 1.9 %, Quartz 4.6 % and woodhouseite 3 %. The FTIR spectroscopy for the orange peel indicated the presence of the functional groups in which the spectral identified the peaks of functional groups O-H, C=O, C-C, C-O-C, C-O, Mg-O, Mg-O-Mg and the Coconut Mesocarp spectra also identified similar functional groups. SEM shows the morphology of the small, irregular particle sizes with some agglomeration due to O-H. TGA shows the thermal stability of the MgO nanoparticles which indicated increase in the temperature lead to a decrease in the weight percentage. BET result shows the surface area was 237.5 m2/g and 235.5 m2/g for the orange peel and coconut shaft MgO-NPs respectively. This eco-friendly method does not only provide a sustainable approach to nanoparticle synthesis but also highlights the potential of agricultural waste as a valuable resource in the nanotechnology applications.